Interprofessional education sessions involving doctor of pharmacy, bachelor of science in nursing, and nurse anesthetist students

• Published in: Currents in pharmacy teaching and learning 2013-09, Vol.5 (5), p.458-469
• Main Authors: Henderson, Catherine D., Broeseker, Amy E., Berry, Cindy G., Fort, David N., Thomason, Angela R., Cahoon, Terri M., Karlet, Mary C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Interprofessional education; Nursing; Pharmacy; Students
• ISSN: 1877-1297; 1877-1300
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2013.06.003

To implement and assess the initial didactic interprofessional education (IPE) sessions in the health professions at our institution. Volunteer pharmacy students met with senior bachelor of science in nursing students or graduate nurse anesthetist students for case discussion during three different sessions. Each session had a different pedagogical approach. A survey was administered at the completion of each session to ascertain students’ attitudes about these experiences. Overall, the results showed that the session involving pharmacy students and bachelor of science in nursing students was more favorable than those involving pharmacy students and nurse anesthetist students. At least 80% of all participants responded that it is important to have IPE sessions like this and they would participate in them again if the opportunity was available. Moreover, 100% of the pharmacy students in each session agreed that the discussions were relevant to them and they enjoyed these learning experiences. This educational research showed that pharmacy and nursing students believed that the IPE sessions were beneficial for them. In the future, focused sessions may be the best pedagogical approach in order for these opportunities to be the most productive for everyone involved.